Tas adds gas to power backup plan

As water levels in Tasmania's hydro-electric scheme dams take another dive, the state government has inked a deal with a global company to supply temporary low-pollutant generators.

The agreement with APR Energy is the latest tranche of the Liberal administration's backup plan to keep the lights burning after record low rainfall hit hydro generators and a damaged Bass Strait electricity cable remains inoperative.

Energy Minister Matthew Groom on Monday confirmed dam levels had dropped 0.2 per cent in the past week and stand at 13.4 per cent.

But the falling levels are in line with forecasts and the minister said demand is being met by other means, including diesel-powered generators at a cost of scores of millions of dollars to hire and install.

Since those generators were fired up in the first week of April, $4.9 million has been spent on diesel, which operators said is in line with the predicted $11 million monthly fuel cost.

Mr Groom confirmed three dual fuel generators, using both diesel and gas, will be installed at Bell Bay in the state's north, under an agreement with APR Energy.

The Florida-based company, with projects around the globe, confirmed it will operate in Tasmania.

"We are pleased to be able to provide Hydro Tasmania with a low-emission power solution ... as they work to ensure reliable electricity supply for Tasmanian households and business customers," company chairman John Campion said.

"Our mobile turbines offer numerous advantages for environmentally conscious customers and developed markets with stringent regulatory controls such as Tasmania and the rest of Australia."

APR Energy claim the generators will produce 93 per cent less nitrogen oxide than a typical high-speed diesel system.

Repairs continue on the Basslink cable and are expected to be complete by mid-June.